third-person singular verb
Builds something by putting its parts together, often according to a plan.
The company constructs bridges in rural areas.
The builder constructs walls from recycled materials.
American English
How to pronounce constructs
verb · nounB2Common word
KAHNstruhkts
/ˈkʰɑn.stɹəkts/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of construct
The same spelling is used for a verb and a plural noun.
Builds something by putting its parts together, often according to a plan.
What to listen for
As a noun, “constructs” is /ˈkʰɑn.stɹəkts/. As a verb, the stress moves to the second syllable; in fast connected speech, the first vowel may become very short.
Noun pronunciation/ˈkʰɑn.stɹəkts/
Verb pronunciation/kʰən.ˈstɹəkts/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
Creates an idea, argument, sentence, or model by putting its parts together.
She constructs a clear argument from the evidence.
The program constructs models of changing weather patterns.
plural noun
Ideas or models created for a particular purpose, especially in academic or scientific work.
Researchers use psychological constructs to study behavior.
The theory links several social constructs.
Good to know
This plural noun is mainly used in academic and technical writing.
Useful expressions
an idea or category shaped by society rather than fixed by nature
Gender is often discussed as a social construct.